Farewell to Duncan

It is time to move again! But such is Franciscan life, as we are meant to be pilgrims who are always on the road, ready to meet new people and give witness to our faith. Both Michael and I are sitting among packed boxes, ready to move to our new homes. I very much enjoyed my time with this wise old priest and brother of mine, and while there were just the two of us living in our house here for the last year, it was nevertheless a time with an active community life. We enjoyed praying and celebrating together with the Poor Clare Sisters, just across the street. And I would often drive to Victoria, to celebrate mass in the friary there, and to make friends with some wonderful people. And, of course, I made good progress with my faith and science ministry, thanks to the support of the University of Victoria and the scholars at the Centre for Studies in Religion and Society. We had many farewell celebrations last week, and here is a picture of Michael and me at the home of a good friend in Duncan.

Michael is moving just a short distance from here to Victoria, but I will go all the way to the other side of the country and move to Montreal. It will be a long drive, but I look forward to it. There is just something very uncivilized in moving by airplane, as if the distances covered meant nothing. This is a big transition, and I will have a lot to learn when I am there. And getting good at French is just one of the challenges. It is an exciting time for our Franciscan community, with many changes and new beginnings, and great potential for the future. Please keep me in your prayers! And I hope to come back to Vancouver Island from time to time, as it is really one of the most beautiful places on the earth. Even though, if memory serves me right, I thought that same of Quebec when I lived there from 2001 to 2003. I have much to look forward to!